\input zb-basic
\input zb-matheduc
\iteman{ZMATH 2014d.00511}
\itemau{O'Reilly, Declan}
\itemti{No sign of the numbers!}
\itemso{Math. Sch. (Leicester) 43, No. 1, 2-3 (2014).}
\itemab
From the text: {\it D. K\"uchemann} [``Positive and negative numbers", in: K. Hart (ed.), Children's understanding of mathematics: 11--16. London: John Murray. 82--87 (1981)] has written about the difficulties of creating models for integers that are consistent across the four arithmetic operations. He advocates adopting a model``in which the integers are regarded as discrete entities or objects, constructed in a way that the positive integers cancel out the negative integers." My aim in this paper has been to put forward such a model. In doing so, I have adopted a shorthand notation, replacing $^+1$ by ``$+$' and $^-1$ by `$-$'. Of course, in doing so, I can be accused of abusing standard notation. I acknowledge this. However, I would point out that almost all textbooks do something similar; instead, of writing $^-3$, they write $-3$ and so on. In other words, they leave out the signs whereas I leave out the numbers!
\itemrv{~}
\itemcc{F40}
\itemut{integers; alternative notation; arithmetic operations; negative numbers}
\itemli{}
\end